Newly Certified M&E Officers Pledge Accountability in Public Institutions

By Alieu Jallow

Newly trained Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) officers from government institutions have vowed to deliver measurable results and strengthen accountability following a three‑month intensive certification programme led by the UNDP under the EU‑UNDP GREAT Project.

The programme brought together representatives from justice and security agencies, the Ministry of Lands and Local Government, and the Gambia Association of Local Government Authorities (GALGA), equipping participants with technical skills to improve efficiency, evidence‑based planning, and service delivery.

Fatoumata Jallow, a judicial staff member, said the training shifted her perspective: “This training has been transformative because it bridged the gap between abstract theory and our daily realities. We are departing today not just with certificates, but with a mandate to ensure that our work creates tangible, measurable value for the citizens we serve.”

Counsel Ugar of the National Agency for Legal Aid (NALA) described the programme as impactful, urging partners to support practical field exposure: “Such practical exposure will further consolidate the knowledge gained, refine our skills, and ensure sustained capacity development beyond the classroom.”

EU Deputy Head of Mission Raphaël Brigandi stressed that strong M&E systems are vital for transparency and effective governance: “This is why the European Union continues to support broader efforts toward digital case management systems, integrated data platforms, and stronger inter‑institutional coordination across the justice chain.”

Speaking on behalf of the UNDP Resident Representative, Sainey Ceesay said monitoring and evaluation is the backbone of evidence‑based governance: “Effective monitoring and evaluation is not just a technical function. It is at the heart of good governance.”

Delivering remarks for the Solicitor General, Gibril Colley acknowledged challenges such as weak data systems and limited capacity but hailed the certification of 25 technical staff as a milestone: “These newly trained officers now possess essential monitoring, evaluation, and data management skills that are indispensable for building a justice sector that is truly resilient.”

The initiative, part of the EU‑UNDP GREAT Project, is expected to strengthen institutional accountability, improve service delivery, and promote data‑driven governance across The Gambia.